Child Motion Device with Adjustable Seat

ABSTRACT

A child motion device has a support having an upstanding post, a seat mounted on the upstanding post, and a rotation assembly. The rotation assembly has detents carried by either the seat or the post and spaced around and radially outward from the post, and has a spring biased protrusion carried on the other of the seat and the post. The seat can be rotated to different orientations corresponding to the detent positions. The protrusion seats in one of the detents positioning the seat in a selected orientation relative to the support and determined by the detent in which it is seated.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/432,099 filed Jan. 12, 2011 andentitled “Child Motion Device.” The entire contents of this prior filedapplication are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to child motion devices,and more particularly to a child motion device with a multi-motionadjustable seat.

2. Description of Related Art

Child motion devices are known, such as infant swings and the like, andtypically have a seat for holding an infant or child. Some of thesedevices have a seat with a seat back that can be reclined. Known reclinemechanisms require a multitude of secondary components. One such exampleis the Luv'n Hug product produced by Graco Children's Products Inc. andwhich has a seat back with a recline mechanism. Some known reclinemechanisms employ a large sized mechanism, such as the recline mechanismon the Blossom High Chair also produced by Graco. The Luv'n Hug reclinemechanism utilizes a metal recline wire, two recline plungers, and tworelatively complex recline lock housings on the sides of the seat. TheBlossom High Chair recline mechanism utilizes a metal recline wire thatengages into plastic (polypropylene) lock slots. The slots are located aminimum of about 2 inches away from the axis of rotation of the seatback, resulting in a minimum recline lock moment arm of about 2 inchesfor the seat back to the seat bottom.

Some child motion devices are also known to have a seat that can berotationally adjusted to face in different directions. In other words,the child seat can swivel. One problem is in the complexity and numberof components typically required to deliver or provide the swivel motionor orientation adjustment to the seat. Most such seats havepredetermined selectable stations or positions to which the seat can bemoved. Some provide an engagement mechanism that retains the seat in aselected orientation. Some require that the seat be completely removedfro a support frame and then replaced on the frame in the desiredorientation. The components are typically complex and require numerousparts, which result in added manufacturing and part cost. In oneexample, Fisher Price and Kids2 have provided such seats by utilizingcomplex, multiple-component assemblies. The main attribute that bothdesigns have is an acetyl plunger coupled with a compression spring thatsnaps into indents in the mating geometry. Due to the complexity ofthese products, the devices are costly while providing minimal benefit.

Another problem with such devices is that the products are large insize. The seats and supports or frames for these devices are also largein size. Many of these products come pre-assembled, thus requiring largesize packaging and taking up a lot of shipping and shelf cube space.Some of these products require assembly of the seat to a support orframe. Such products require tools for assembly and typically havemultiple parts that must first be assembled or installed prior to theseat being added to the support or frame. A noted common execution canbe found on the above-mentioned Luv'n′ Hug slung seat where the top seatframe is coupled to the bottom seat frame by means of a rivet assembledby the manufacturer. Some of these types of child motion devices haveone or more fasteners that require one or more tools and purchaser laborto assemble the product prior to use.

SUMMARY

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, achild motion device has a support with an upstanding post, a seatmounted on the upstanding post, and a rotation mechanism. The rotationmechanism has a plurality of detents provided on one of the seat and thepost and spaced circumferentially around and radially outward relativeto the post, and has a spring biased protrusion carried on the other ofthe seat and the post. The seat can be rotated about the post todifferent orientations corresponding to the position of the plurality ofdetents. The spring biased protrusion is biased into and seats in aselected one of the plurality of detents to position the seat in adesired one of the different orientations relative to the support frame.

In one example, the upstanding post can be part of a swing arm on aswing.

In one example, the upstanding post can be a tube.

In one example, the rotation mechanism can have a housing and a portionof the rotation mechanism can be carried on a downward facing surface ofthe housing.

In one example, the rotation mechanism can include a collar on anunderside facing surface of the rotation mechanism or the seat. Theplurality of detents can be carried on a surface of the collar.

In one example, the rotation mechanism can include a hub carried on theupstanding post and the spring biased protrusion can be carried on thehub.

In one example, the rotation mechanism can further include a collar witha surface. The plurality of detents can be carried on the surface of thecollar. The rotation mechanism can also include a hub carried on theupstanding post. The spring biased protrusion can be carried on the hub.

In one example, the rotation mechanism can further include a collar withradial inward facing surface. The plurality of detents can be carried onthe surface of the collar. The rotation mechanism can also include a hubcarried on the upstanding post. The spring biased protrusion can becarried on the hub and the hub can seat within the surface of the collarand the spring biased protrusion can be biased radially outward againstthe surface of the collar.

In one example, the child motion device can include two of the springbiased protrusions. Each of the protrusions can be carried on a metalleaf spring positioned opposite one another on a hub of the rotationmechanism.

In one example, the spring biased protrusion can be carried on aresilient plastic bridge formed integral with a hub of the rotationmechanism. The protrusion can also be integral with the hub and bridge.

In one example, the rotation mechanism can include a collar protrudingdownward from part of the rotation mechanism or the seat and can includea hub connected to the upstanding post. The hub can be seated within andbounded by the collar.

In one example, the child motion device can further include four of thedetents defining four selectable seat orientations.

In one example, the child motion device can further include a pair ofthe spring biased protrusions and can include at least two pairs of theplurality of detents. The pair of spring biased protrusions can seat ina selected pair of the plurality of detents.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, aseat for a child motion device has a seat bottom section and a seat backsection coupled to the seat bottom section at a pair of spaced apartpivot joints. The seat back section is pivotable between at least afirst recline position and a second recline position different from thefirst recline position relative to the seat bottom section. The seatalso has a release actuator carried on the seat back section, a latchpin positioned at each of the pivot joints remote from the releaseactuator, and a curved surface within each of the pivot joints. A barextends transversely across the seat and has curved free ends each lyingalong one of the curved surfaces within a corresponding one of the pivotjoints. Holes or receptacles are formed in the curved free ends of thebar and face the latch pins. Each hole in each of the curved free endscorresponds to one of the first and second recline positions. Therelease actuator, when actuated, withdraws the latch pins from the holesin the bar, and, when released, biases the latch pins into engagementwith one of the holes in the bar.

In one example, the release mechanism can include a bent wire connectedto the release actuator and terminating at free ends defining the latchpins.

In one example, the pivot joints can each include a tongue on each freeend of one of the seat back and seat bottom sections and can include ayoke on each free end of the other of the seat back and seat bottomsection. The tongues can be received in gaps in the yokes.

In one example, the curved surfaces can include an end face on a tongueand an interior surface within a yoke of each pivot joint. Each end facecan mate with and bear against a respective interior surface.

In one example, the curved surfaces can include an end face on a tongueand an interior surface within a yoke of each pivot joint. Each end facecan mate with and bear against a respective interior surface. A groovecan extend along each of the end faces and interior surfaces. Eachcurved free end of the bar can be captured between the grooves on arespective one of the end faces and interior surfaces within thecorresponding pivot joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of a child motion device constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention and with theswing arm in the home position and the child seat in a forward facingorientation.

FIG. 2 shows the child motion device shown in FIG. 1 but with the swingarm rotated to one side.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the rotation mechanismcomponents of the seat and support frame of the child motion deviceshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the assembled hub portion of the rotationmechanism shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section taken along line 5-5 through the rotationmechanism of the forward facing seat and support frame shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A shows the child motion device shown in FIG. 1, but with the seatrotated to a right side facing orientation on the support frame.

FIG. 6B shows the rotation mechanism cross-section of FIG. 5, but withthe seat in the right side facing orientation shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C shows the rotation mechanism cross-section of FIG. 5, but withthe seat rotated to a left side facing orientation opposite theorientation shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A shows the child motion device shown in FIG. 1, but with the seatrotated to a rear facing orientation on the support frame.

FIG. 7B shows the rotation mechanism cross-section of FIG. 5, but withthe seat in the rear facing orientation shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 shows an underside view of portions of the seat frame of thechild motion device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the seat frame shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A shows a side view of the seat of the child motion device shownin FIG. 1 and with the seat back section in a lowered or reclinedposition.

FIG. 10B shows a cut-away section view of one side of the seat shown inFIG. 10A and with the recline mechanism latched or engaged.

FIG. 10C shows the side of the seat shown in FIG. 10B, but with therecline mechanism released or disengaged.

FIG. 11A shows the side of the seat shown in FIG. 10C, but with the seatback section of the seat in an inclined position and the reclinemechanism still released or disengaged.

FIG. 11B shows the side of the seat shown in FIG. 11A, but with therecline mechanism latched or engaged.

FIG. 11C shows a side view of the seat of the child motion device shownin FIG. 1, but with the seat back section in the inclined position ofFIG. 11B.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an alternate example of a seat frameconstruction in accordance with the teachings of the present inventionand with the seat back and seat bottom portions disassembled.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section taken along line 13-13 of one side of theseat frame shown in FIG. 12 and with the seat back and bottom sectionsassembled.

FIG. 14 shows a cross section, similar to FIG. 5, but of an alternateexample of a hub for the rotation mechanism constructed in accordancewith the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed child motion device and its various components solve orimprove upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems anddisadvantages with prior known child motion devices. In one example, achild motion device is disclosed herein that has a seat supported on anupstanding post. The seat orientation can be adjusted by rotating theseat relative to the post without having to remove the seat. In oneexample, such a child motion device has a rotation mechanism between theseat and the post that utilizes a spring biased protrusion and detentarrangement permitting such rotational adjustment of the seat andselection of one of the plurality of optionally available seatorientations. In one example, a child motion device as disclosed hereinhas a seat with the frame constructed so that the incline or recline ofthe seat back section of the seat can be adjusted by the user. In oneexample, a child motion device as disclosed herein has a relativelysimple recline mechanism design that requires fewer parts and allows fora small seat back to seat bottom joint construction. In one example, achild motion device as disclosed herein has a relatively simpleconstruction allowing a purchaser or consumer to assemble the childmotion device without the need for tools. Such a relatively simpleconstruction also allows for a manufacturer to package the child motiondevice in a relatively small container because the components can besubstantially unassembled until purchased by a consumer. These and otherobjects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example of achild motion device 20 constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention. In this example, the child motion device 20 is anorbital motion type swing or soothing device. As will be evident tothose having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, thevarious features of the invention can be employed on other types ofchild motion devices that utilize a seat for transporting and/orsoothing a child or infant. Other examples of such child motion devicesinclude A-frame type swings, pendulum type swings, strollers, and thelike. The inventions as disclosed herein are not intended to be limitedto use only on the disclosed orbital motion type swing example.

The child motion device 20 in this example has a base 22 with aplurality of interconnected tube segments configured to form a ring orD-shape. A tower 24 is supported by the base 22 and extends upward fromone edge of the base. The tower 24 acts as a backbone or spine for thechild motion device in this example. The tower 24 in this exampleincludes a shroud 26 mounted thereon to cover and contain the variouscomponents of the device therein. In this example, a top surface 28 onthe shroud 26 includes a plurality of controls 30 for controllingvarious performance features and characteristics of the child motiondevice 20. Such performance features and characteristics can varyconsiderably within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, the child motion device 20 may be motorized to operateautomatically. Such a motor would typically be housed on the tower inthe shroud and the controls 30 could include ON/OFF and speed controls.The child motion device 20 may also include audio functions to producesoothing sounds, music, or the like, which can also be operated by thecontrols 30.

In this example, the child motion device 20 has a curved, J-shaped swingarm 32 projecting forward from the tower 24. A proximal end of the swingarm is connected to the tower and its components and a free or distalend of the swing arm defines an upstanding post 34, which is orientedgenerally vertically. A seat 36 is carried on the post 34 and isconfigured to support an infant or child above the ground on which thebase 22 rests. The configuration and construction of the seat 36 canalso vary considerably within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In this example, the seat 36 has an oval-shaped seat frame 38arranged in a generally horizontal orientation and supported above arotation mechanism 40 coupled to the post 34. Details of the seat frame38 and seat 36 are described in greater detail below. In general, theseat frame 38 in this example is intended to carry a sling-type fabricseat (not shown) that is suspended from and below the frame but abovethe rotation mechanism 40. The fabric material of the sling seat is notshown or described herein in order to more clearly depict othercomponents of the seat that are relevant to the invention.

As used herein, the term post is intended to encompass a wide range ofstructures on which the rotatable seat can be mounted. The post can be arelatively small diameter, elongate tube or solid cylinder. The post canalso be a short height, small diameter stub-like structure. The post canalso have a relatively large diameter and can be short or lengthy, asdesired for a particular seat and child motion device application. Also,the rotation mechanism 40 can be considered as an underside of the seat,and thus as a part of the seat, or can be considered as a separateelement positioned beneath the underside of the seat. In the disclosedexample, the rotation mechanism also defines a part of the seatstructure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the swing arm 32 is constructed to move rotationallyleft and right about a vertical axis of the tower 24 as is known in theart. The swing arm 32 can be motorized to automatically swing through apartial orbit creating a soothing motion for a child. Alternatively,motion of the swing arm may be imparted manually either by the seatoccupant, the caregiver, or both. The swing arm 32 and seat 36 aredepicted in a home or neutral position in FIG. 1, centered over the base22. The swing arm 32 and seat 36 can swing in either direction, left orright of the home or neutral position, generally represented by thearrows S in FIG. 2.

The configuration, contour, and construction of the base 22, tower 24,shroud 26, swing arm 32, and seat 36 can vary from the example shown anddescribed herein while remaining within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Specific ornamental, structural, component, andassembly details of the components disclosed and described herein canvary and yet perform as intended.

In a disclosed example, the seat 36 can be easily reoriented to any oneof a plurality of seat facing orientations. The seat 36 is depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 in a forward facing orientation whereby the seat occupantwould face away from the tower 24. In other words, the head of the seatoccupant would be positioned in the seat closest to the tower. In thisexample, the rotation mechanism 40 is constructed so that a user needonly apply circumferential torque to the seat 36 in order to reorientthe seat facing orientation as described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rotation mechanism 40 in thisexample. In general, the rotation mechanism 40 includes one or morespring biased protrusions that can seat in a selected one of a pluralityof detents. The one or more protrusions and detents help to retain theseat in a selected seat facing orientation. However, the spring bias canbe overcome when the caregiver applies a torque to the seat in order tochange its orientation, as described below. Either one or the other ofthe detents or protrusions can be stationary relative to the post 34 andthe other one of the detents or protrusions can move as the seat 36 isrotated to change the seat facing orientation.

In the disclosed example, the rotation mechanism 40 generally includes ahousing 42 with a lower base portion 44 and an upper cover portion 46. Aplurality of fasteners 48 and standoffs 50 can be utilized, either bythe manufacturer or the consumer, to assemble the housing and to securethe cover portion over the base portion. When assembled, the combinationof the base and cover portions 44 and 46 create a cavity 52 within thehousing 42. In this example, the base portion 44 has an extension 54extending from one side and which curves upward and terminates at aframe segment 56. The frame segment 56 defines a portion of the seatframe 38, as described below, and, in part, aids in supporting the seatframe 38 above the rotation mechanism 40.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a support cylinder 62 is positioned withinthe cavity 52 of the base portion 44 and is oriented generallyvertically. The cylinder 62 is positioned surrounding the top of thepost 34 and concentric therewith, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. A pluralityof radially extending ribs 64 extend radially inward from the supportcylinder 62. The top of the post 34 protrudes upward through and withinthe ribs when the base portion 44 of the housing 42 is installed on thepost 34. A pivot hub 66 has a tubular shaft 68 protruding downward andhas a flange 70 on the upper end of the shaft. The lower end of theshaft 68 has a pair of opposed notches 72. Stop pins or bosses 74 areaffixed to and protrudes from the outer surface of the post 34 and arespaced downward from the top of the post. The shaft 68 of the hub 66extends downward into the support cylinder 64 and is sized to fit overthe exposed top of the post 34 and within the spacing of the ribs 64.The stop pins or bosses 74 seat in the notches 72 when the hub 66 isinstalled. The notches 72 and bosses 74 rotationally affix the hub 66relative to the post 34. However, the housing 42, including the supportcylinder 62 and ribs 64, can rotate relative to the post 34 and thus thefixed hub 66.

The flange 70 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of thesupport cylinder 62 and thus rests on top of the support cylinder whenthe rotation mechanism 40 is assembled. The flange 70 has an opencentral region 76 that also has a diameter that is larger than thediameter of the shaft 68. Thus, an upward facing shoulder 80 is formedtherein, recessed downward within the central region 76 of the hub 66.

A snap fastener 82 is utilized to interconnect the hub 66, the baseportion 44 of the housing 42, and the post 34. A pair of slots 84 areformed through the post opposite one another and spaced near the topedge of the post 34. The snap fastener 82 has a top cap 86 and thedownward depending leg 88. A tab 90 protrudes radially outward from theleg in one direction. In an inverted V-shape resilient arm 92 isconnected to the lower end of the leg 88 on a side opposite the tab 90.The resilient arm 92 has an elbow 94 at its upper end. A nub 96protrudes from a free end of the resilient arm 92 below the elbow 94.The snap fastener 82 can be pushed downward into the central region 76of the hub 66 until the top cap 86 seats against the shoulder 80. Thetab 90 will seat in one of the slots 84 and the nub 96 on the resilientarm 92 will snap into the other of the slots 84, securing the snapfastener 82 in place within the post 34. With the snap fastener 82 fixedto the post, the top cap 86 will capture and retain the hub 66, as wellas the base portion 44 of the housing 42, between the top cap and thebosses 74 on the post 34.

The cover portion 46 can then be installed on the base portion 44 byinserting the fasteners 48 and securing them to the standoffs 50. In oneexample, each of the fasteners 48 can be a one-way push-in fastener thatdoes not require use of a tool and that would engage and be retained inthe corresponding standoffs 50. In another example, the fasteners 48could be conventional fasteners requiring a tool such as a screwdriverfor installation. In still another example, the cover portion 46 can besecured to the base portion 44 by the manufacturer and can include anopening therein that is large enough to receive the snap fastener 82. Insuch an example, the consumer would not need to install any fasteners 48to assemble the housing 42. The rotation mechanism 40 can be secured tothe post 34 simply by installing the snap fastener 82. A separate snapon cover could be provided to cover the opening in the cover portion 46once the snap fastener 82 is installed. Such an example would eliminatethe need for fasteners and tools when the consumer assembles theproduct.

Also as shown in FIG. 3, the underside of the cover portion 46 includesa collar or ring 100 protruding downward into the cavity 52. Thediameter of the collar or ring 100 is sized to closely fit around theflange 70 when the housing 42 is assembled. In this example, a pluralityof interior, radially extending ribs 102 and a structural ring 103 alsoprotrude downward from the cover portion 46 within the perimeter of thecollar or ring 100. These ribs 102 and ring 103 add rigidity to thecollar 100 and can be configured to seat within the central region 76 ofthe hub 66 in order to help align and retain alignment between the huband the collar or ring 100. A plurality of female detents or recesses104 are formed into the interior surface of the collar or ring 100. Inthis example there are four such female detents or recesses 104 spaced90° equidistant from one another and circumferentially around the collaror ring 100.

The flange 70 of the hub 66 in this example includes a pair of springretainers 106 formed in opposite edges of the flange. A metal leafspring 108 is seated in each of the spring retainers 106. Each of theleaf springs 108 includes a central male protrusion 110 that projectsradially outward from the perimeter edge of the flange 70. In thisexample, the male protrusions 110 are arranged 180° opposite one anotheron the flange 70. The protrusions 110 are spring biased in this exampleby the resiliency of the leaf spring, which can be made from springsteel or the like. Each of the protrusions 110 can be pushed radiallyinward by applying a force against the protrusion to overcome thebiasing force of the spring steel. FIG. 4 shows a top view of theassembled hub 66 including the snap fastener 82 and the leaf springsincluding the protrusions 110. The opposed free ends of the leaf spring108 are retained by the spring retainers 106. The springs 108 can varyfrom the leaf spring example shown and described herein. The intent itto have the protrusions and detents resiliently movable relative to oneanother to create distinct, user selectable and determinable rotationalorientations for the seat while permitting the seat to be selectivelyrotated among the orientations.

As noted above, the pivot hub 66 in this example is affixed to the post34 and does not rotate relative to the post. Thus, the flange 70 and theleaf springs 108 are also rotationally fixed relative to the post. Asthe seat 36 is rotated on the post 34, the ring or collar 100 willthereby rotate relative to the springs. This in turn will rotate thedetents or recesses 104 relative to the springs. The protrusions 110 onthe pair of leaf springs 108 are arranged to seat in any opposed pair ofthe detents or recesses 104 in the ring or collar 100. As shown in FIG.5, the protrusions 110 in this example are directed one toward and oneaway from the tower 24 and are aligned parallel to the neutral or homeposition of the swing arm 32. The rotation mechanism 40 is illustratedin a forward seat facing position in FIG. 5, which represents the seat36 as shown in FIG. 1. The protrusions 110 are seated in the opposedpair of detents or recesses 104 that are also aligned lengthwiserelative to the seat 36.

If a user or caregiver wishes to change the seat facing orientation ofthe seat 36, they can easily do so on the disclosed child motion device20, without having to remove the seat from the support base 22. Doing sowill change the motion characteristics that are imparted to a child orinfant seated in the seat 36. This is because the child will face in adifferent direction relative to the swinging or movement direction ofthe seat 36, depending on the orientation of the seat. The user cangrasp the seat frame 38 and apply a torque to the seat 36 that issufficient to overcome the biasing force of the leaf springs 108. Theprotrusions 110 will unseat from the detents 104 in which they areseated and then ride along the interior surface of the collar 100 at theseat is rotated. As shown in FIG. 6A, the seat 36 can be rotated to aright side facing orientation. The protrusions 110 of the leaf springs108 will align with and fire into the pair of detents 104 that arearranged laterally across the collar 100. This orientation of therotation mechanism 40 is depicted in FIG. 6B. Though not shown herein,the seat 36 can also be rotated in the opposite direction so that theseat is oriented facing to the left. This orientation of the rotationmechanism 40 is depicted in FIG. 6C Likewise, the user may wish toreorient the seat 36 so that it faces in a rearward direction toward thetower 24. This rear seat facing orientation is depicted in FIG. 7A andthe corresponding orientation of the rotation mechanism 40 is depictedin FIG. 7B.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, theconfiguration and construction of the rotation mechanism 40 can varyconsiderably from the example shown and described herein. In oneexample, a cylindrical recess can be provided in a surface of the seator rotation mechanism housing replacing the protruding ring or collar100 Likewise, a hub-like protrusion can be provided on the downwardfacing cover portion 46 of the housing 42 or on part of seat, ifdesired. Similarly, a cylindrical recess or a protruding ring or collarcould be provided in or on the upward facing base portion 44 of thehousing 42 or the like. Additionally, only a single spring biasedprotrusion need be utilized, or three or more such protrusions could beutilized. The number and position of the detents or recesses 104 canalso vary from the four shown and described herein, creating more orfewer selectable seat orientations. Still further, the one or morespring biased protrusions 110 can be provided within a recess or on thering or collar and the corresponding detents or recesses can be providedon the flange of the hub. Other such spring biased detent arrangementscan be employed within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing aspects of the present invention include an easy toassemble rotation mechanism 40 and result in a simple to use rotationadjustment scheme for the seat 36. Such a seat construction can beutilized on other different types of child motion devices, other thanthe orbital motion type swing disclosed herein, if desired.

The disclosed rotation mechanism achieves the same performance as thecompetitive designs, but is obtained through a minimalistic designapproach that allows seat swivel or rotational adjustment, while keepingpart costs down. The spring/male plunger or protrusion component mateswith the female geometry on the seat, i.e., the housing 42. Thespring/male plunger component is keyed to the swing arm post 34 as thecaregiver rotates the seat around the stationary post or swing arm,which carries the spring/male plunger component. When the seat isrotated, the male plungers or protrusions ramp out of the female detentgeometry in the underside of the seat and the spring deflects to allowthe relief. The seat is then free to rotate until the male plungers orprotrusions hit the next female detents.

The male plunger or protrusion and the spring could alternatively beachieved by utilizing a Valco-ball like component that is fixed to theswing arm. Substitute materials for the male and female mating geometrycould be nylon, acetyl, polypropylene or the like.

The disclosed rotation mechanism for this aspect of the invention usessignificantly less components than comparable systems. The reduction incomponents leads to a reduction of material usage and the amount ofassembly required. Therefore, the primary functionality of the disclosedswiveling ratchet type rotation mechanism is met while meeting muchlower product cost requirements.

In another aspect of the present invention, the seat 36 and seat frame38 include a recline mechanism or feature that is also simple to use andof relatively simple construction. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the basiccomponents of the seat frame 38 and recline mechanism. In this example,the recline mechanism generally has pivot joints on the sides of theseat frame 38, latches on the pivot joints, and a release mechanism toactuate, i.e., engage or disengage, the latches. The seat frame 38 has aseat back section 120 that is generally an inverted U-shape andconfiguration. The seat frame 38 also has a seat bottom section 122connected to the seat back section. In this example, two opposed seatbottom segments 124 are connected to free ends of the seat back section120 and to ends of the earlier described frame segment 56, which iscarried as an integral part of the extension 54 of the rotationmechanism 40. When joined to one another, the frame segment 56 and pairof seat bottom segments 124 together form the seat bottom section 122.The seat frame 38 lies generally horizontally during use and wouldsupport a sling type fabric seat. Such a seat is suited for infants.

The seat frame 38 has a bar 126 that is generally U-shape and extendstransversely across the seat frame. A mid-portion 128 of the bar 126 issecured to a top side of the cover portion 46 on the housing 42 of therotation mechanism 40. The bar 126 can be secured by fasteners to thehousing 42 of the rotation mechanism 40, or can snap into a groove 129formed thereon, if desired, or both. The bar 126 also has a pair ofupstanding leg portions 130 extending from the mid-portion 128. Freecurved ends 132 extend from the leg portions 130 and are bent in aforward direction.

The seat frame 38 is assembled via a tongue and groove type pivot joint133 on each side of the seat frame. In this example, each free end ofthe seat back section 120 has a yoke 134 with a space or gap 136, i.e.,a groove, between spaced apart legs 138 of the yoke. A free end of eachof the seat bottom segments 124 has a tongue 140 correspondingly sizedand shaped to fit within the gap or space 136 on a respective one of theyokes 134. An end face 142 on each tongue 140 has a consistent radius ofcurvature in this example. An interior face 144 within each yoke 136 iscorrespondingly shaped or curved to mate with and bear against the endface 142 within the yoke 134. In this example, the end face 142 on eachtongue 140 has a convex curvature and the interior face 144 within eachyoke 134 as a concave curvature when assembled. A pivot pin 146pivotally joins the two seat sections 120 and 122 together. In thisexample, the pivot pin 146 has a threaded end 148 for receiving a nut150 thereon to secure the pins in place, connecting the seat backsection 120 to the seat bottom segments 122. The pivot pins 146 definethe pivot axis of movement for the seat back section 120 when it ismoved to adjust the seat recline.

In this example, each of the end faces 142 and interior faces 144 withineach joint has a lengthwise groove 152, 153, respectively, formedtherealong. The curved ends 132 of the bar 126 are captured between thecorresponding grooves 152, 153 in the surfaces within each joint. Thebar 126 can have one or more holes 154 formed therethrough near the freetips of the curved ends 132. Fasteners (not shown) can be receivedthrough these holes to secure and fasten the bar to the seat frame 38,if desired.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-11C, the seat back section 120 can pivot relativeto the seat bottom segments 124 at the pivot joints 133. The seat backsection 120 can be reclined to a lowered position as depicted in FIG.10A and can be elevated to an inclined or raised position as depicted inFIG. 11C. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art,additional intermediate positions can also be provided. In order toallow for recline adjustment of the seat back section 122, a releasemechanism 160 is provided on the seat back section as shown in FIGS. 8and 9. The release mechanism includes a one-piece bent wire 162 having acentral segment 164 and a pair of elongate, curved latch segments 166extending from the central segment. The latch segments 166 areconfigured to generally correspond in shape to the curvature and contourof the seat back section 122 of the seat frame 38. In this way, the bentwire 162 can generally underlie the seat back section and be hidden fromview.

The terms upward, downward, and vertical are used in the followingdescription with reference to the orientation of the seat frame 38 inFIGS. 8 and 9 merely to simplify the description. During use, it wouldbe apparent that the actual motion of the release mechanism componentswould be fore and aft with reference to the generally horizontal seatframe orientation.

The release mechanism 160 includes a release actuator 168 connected tothe seat back section 120 and to the central segment 164 of the bentwire 162. In this example, the release actuator 168 has a pair ofvertically slots 170 formed therethrough. Fasteners 172 are receivedthrough the slots 170 to fasten the release actuator 168 to themid-point of the seat back section 120. The slots 170 allow for verticaltravel of the release actuator 168. The travel distance of the releaseactuator 168 is limited by the length of the slots 170 and the fasteners172 captured therein. A spring 174 biases the release actuator 168downward in this example, which in turn biases the bent wire downward.An upward force can be applied by a user's hand to overcome the biasingforce of the spring 174 and move the release actuator 168 upward.Movement of the release actuator 168 upward also moves the bent wire 162upward.

As shown in FIG. 10B, each of the latch segments 166 of the bent wire162 terminates at a tip that defines a latch pin 176 protruding into thecorresponding pivot joint 133. A plurality of holes 178 a, 178 b areformed in a portion of the curved ends 132 of the bar 126 positionedalong the grooves 152, 153 in this example. Each of the plurality ofholes 178 a, 178 b define a different recline position for the seat backsection 120. As shown, the holes 178 a, 178 b are exposed within thepivot joint 133 and face the respective pin 176 therein. In thisexample, the pins 176 are received in a lower most one of the holes 178a with the seat back section 122 in the lowered or reclined position andwith the release mechanism in a latched or engaged condition.

The user can actuate the release mechanism 160 by grasping and pullingupward on the release actuator 168, i.e., by squeezing the actuator intothe seat back section 120, to overcome the force of the spring 174. Thepins 176 are then withdrawn from the holes 178, as shown in FIG. 10C.The seat back section 120 is then free to rotate upward from the loweredposition to the raised or inclined position as depicted in FIG. 11A. Inthis position, the pins 176 aligned with the uppermost holes 178 b inthe bar 126. If the user had previously released their grip on therelease actuator 168, the pins 176 would ride along the curved ends 132of the bar 126 lying against the faces 142 of the tongues 140 on theseat bottom segments 123. The pins 176 would fire into the uppermostholes 178 b when aligned therewith. Otherwise, the user can then releasetheir grip on the release actuator 168 so that the pins 176 can fireinto and engage the holes 178 b as depicted in FIG. 11B. With the pins176 engaged in the uppermost holes 178, the seat back section 120 islatched in the raised or inclined position as depicted in FIG. 11C.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, theconfiguration and construction of the release mechanism 160 and theother recline components, such as the pivot joints 133 can vary withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention. The curvature of themating pivot joint surfaces 142, 144 can be reversed so that the endfaces of the tongues 140 are concave in the interior faces 144 of theyokes 134 are convex. Likewise, the tongue and groove-type pivot jointparts can be reversed on the seat back section 120 and seat bottomsegments 122. Also, the pivot joints can be altered to a different typeof pivot joint structure, if desired. In this particular example, thepivot joint construction provides a relatively compact joint requiringfew components. The latch receptacle holes 178 a, b are provideddirectly in the bar 126 which also serves as a structural support forthe seat structure. The pivot joints 133 only require the pivot pinconnecting the two seat sections in this example.

The disclosed recline and release mechanisms provide a robust, yetsimple, recline mechanism in a cost efficient manner. The mechanismstake up very little space on the product, thus helping to minimize theoverall size of the device and mechanism. The disclosed mechanism alsohelp decrease the distance between the recline holes and the axis ofrotation, i.e., the pins 146 of the reclining seat back section.

The recline position holes 178 a,b are fabricated in a metal tube of theseat structure, i.e., the transverse bar 126. The metal component can bepre-assembled on the seat and can be a key structural member of the seatconstruction, which can be referred to as the seat bight tube.Integrating the array of recline holes into the steel of the tube allowsfor utilizing a material with significantly higher mechanical propertiescompared to the surrounding plastic of the seat frame. The addedstrength of the holes allows for a reduced moment arm length between thepins 146 and the latch pins and holes. The steel seat bight tube 126also can act as a robust hard stop to prevent the seat back section ofthe seat frame from rotating past the set minimum rotational angle.Further, the recline mechanism requires few parts in creating thisfeature.

One execution for this aspect of the invention may be to leverageexisting components in the seat that have high mechanical strengthproperties. By executing this practice, a higher return of subsystemperformance can be achieved with a minimal negative cost impact.Therefore, the holes can be provided in the steel seat bight tube andthe recline wire 162 can also be made of steel wire. The seat frame andpivot joint components surrounding the latch pars, i.e., the bar 126 andwire 162 can be constructed of reasonably priced plastic, such aspolypropylene.

Another way to execute this aspect of the invention in a similar fashionwould be to use a secondary component(s) for the metal recline slots.Such secondary components could be a fabricated sheet metal component oran additional metal tube assembled to the seat structure within thepivot joints.

The male portion, i.e., the pins 176 of the recline mechanism are notlimited to being constructed of metal wire. A metal tooth that is fixedto the seat back section could be utilized. The metal tooth could rotateor translate into and out of the metal holes in numerous ways. Also,other materials such as plastics or composites can be used for the maleportion and/or female parts as well.

The disclosed recline mechanism 160 allows for a smaller overall sizerequired for a commonly used plunger into plastic slot execution; whilealso delivering higher mechanical properties.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict an even simpler pivot joint construction thateliminates the pivot pins 146 and nuts 150 described previously. In thisexample, the seat back section of the seat frame includes an integral,male pivot boss 200 within the gap or space of the yoke. The bosses 200project inward from and between the legs 202 of the yoke 203. Each seatbottom segment includes a corresponding guide track 204 on each sideface of the tongue 206. Each guide track 204 is essentially open at thetop 205 and terminates in a female receptacle, depression, or hole 208through or into the tongue 206 at the bottom end of the track. In orderto assemble the seat frame in this example, the user need only align thepivot bosses 200 with the open tops 205 of the guide tracks 204 and thenpush downward on the yoke 203 of the seat back section. Once the pivotbosses 200 align with the holes or recesses 208 at the bottom of thetracks, the bosses will pop into the holes or depressions, securing theseat back section to the seat bottom segments. The seat back section canpivot about the bosses 200 relative to the seat bottom segments in thisexample. As shown in FIG. 13, the walls of the guide tracks 204 can begradually tapered further apart. The bosses can thus easily slide intothe open tops 205 of the tracks 204 and then experience increasedoutward force as the track surfaces gradually move apart. This willallow for the protrusions 200 to forcibly fire into the holes 208 whenassembled.

In this example, the seat can be more collapsible to fit into smallerpackaging, as with the prior example. With a seat that is broken down inpackaging, the packaging overall size is reduced. Therefore, shippingcosts of the product and required storage space during shipping and onstore shelves or in warehouses can also be reduced. Also, the seat backsection can easily assemble to the seat bottom section in this examplesimply by sliding and snapping the sections together as shown in FIG.13. Having the two components couple together without secondarycomponents, such as the aforementioned pins 146 and nuts 150, helps keeppart costs down while still allowing for the smaller required shippingcube.

This example of a pivot joint construction also can help to maintaingood user experience of the assembly so as to reduce customer assemblyfrustrations. The seat frame utilizes two male/female snap connectionsper each side of the seat frame. The dual snap connections help to lockthe seat bottom segments to the seat back section securely. The snapconnection can withstand forces applied in all directions of pull in anattempt to separate the two components. As the seat back section isbeing coupled to the seat bottom segments, flex finger-like walls on thetongues can deflect to allow the connection. The flex finger-like wallscan then rebound and capture the male bosses. The walls act as a barb tonot allow the boss to disconnect.

This example could potentially be executed without the use of the flexfinger walls of the tongues. In such an example, the plastic structurearound the male bosses and female holes or depressions could all deflectto allow for the coupling of the male to female parts. Also, one couldreverse or swap the location of the male and female parts between theseat sections. This is equally true for any of the connectionembodiments disclosed herein. One male boss and one female hole could belocated on the seat bottom section while the other female hole and maleboss could be located on the seat back section. Alternatively, both malebosses could be located on the seat bottom section and both female holescould be on the seat back section. In either embodiment, the tongues andyokes could also be swapped or reversed.

The seat back and seat bottom components can be made from plastic, suchas polypropylene. Using this type of material may help reduce thechances of the flex finger walls breaking off during assembly, i.e.,under deflection. However, all of the foregoing examples can be executedin many different materials such as other plastics, metals, woods, orthe like.

This aspect of the invention, whether utilizing the pins 146 or the snapconnections, allows for the seat to be more collapsible in packaging.With a seat that is broken down in packaging, the packaging overall sizecan be reduced, thus reducing shipping and storage costs of the product.Also, having the two components couple together without secondarycomponents or the need for tools helps keep part costs down andmaintains a good user experience during assembly of the product by auser, which in turn can reduce customer assembly frustrations.

In another example, FIG. 14 shows a pivot hub construction thateliminates the need for the separate leaf springs 108 describedpreviously. In this example, the pivot hub 220 includes an integralplastic bridge 222 molded directly to the hub flange 224 on two opposededges of the hub. Each plastic bridge 222 has a relief opening 226 inthe flange 224 that is adjacent the bridge. The relief openings 226allow for protrusions 228 carried on the radial outward facing sides ofthe bridges 222, to flex toward the relief openings 226. The resiliencyof the plastic bridges will bias the protrusion 228 outward, similar tothe earlier described leaf springs 108. In this alternative example, themale spring biasing element of the swivel structure is integrated intothe hub flange and creates a male plunger or protrusion and spring(bridge) in a single integral component.

One execution of this example would be to manufacture the hub, flange,bridge, and protrusion component out of Acetyl. The mating femalegeometry of the collar on the seat underside can be manufactured fromhigh density polyethylene (HDPE). Utilizing Acetyl for the maleprotrusion and bridge will help to reduce friction in the system andprovide a good flex life of the integral spring. The HDPE will providegood wear resistance, good stiffness, and the cost of the material willbe much lower compared to other usable plastic grades. Other materialscan certainly be used, however, including metal or spring steel for thespring/male plunger and/or the collar or ring, as noted above.

Clearly, other alternate variations of the aforementioned components forthe recline mechanism, release mechanism, the rotation mechanism, andthe various fastener-less connections are within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. A number of examples are disclosed and describedherein that eliminate conventional fasteners, and thus the need fortools, for use when assembling the product. The disclosed child motiondevice and its features can simplify assembly of the device, thusallowing the manufacturer to package and ship the device at least partlyunassembled. This also allows the retailer to sell the child motiondevice in the unassembled state because it will be relatively easy forthe consumer to assemble the product prior to use.

Although certain seat components and part arrangements for child motiondevices have been described herein in accordance with the teachings ofthe present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments ofthe teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope ofpermissible equivalents.

1. A child motion device comprising: a support having an upstandingpost; a seat mounted on the upstanding post; and a rotation mechanismhaving a plurality of detents provided on one of the seat and the postand spaced circumferentially around and radially outward relative to thepost; and a spring biased protrusion carried on the other of the seatand the post, wherein the seat can be rotated about the post todifferent orientations corresponding to the plurality of detents andwherein the spring biased protrusion is biased into and seats in aselected one of the plurality of detents to position the seat in adesired one of the different orientations relative to the support frame.2. A child motion device according to claim 1, wherein the upstandingpost is part of a swing arm on a swing.
 3. A child motion deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the upstanding post is a tube.
 4. A childmotion device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism has ahousing and a portion of the rotation mechanism is carried on a downwardfacing surface of the housing.
 5. A child motion device according toclaim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism includes a collar on anunderside facing surface of the rotation mechanism or the seat, theplurality of detents being carried on a surface of the collar.
 6. Achild motion device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanismincludes a hub carried on the upstanding post, the spring biasedprotrusion carried on the hub.
 7. A child motion device according toclaim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises: a collarhaving a surface, the plurality of detents carried on the surface of thecollar; and a hub carried on the upstanding post, the spring biasedprotrusion carried on the hub.
 8. A child motion device according toclaim 7, wherein the hub seats within the surface of the collar and thespring biased protrusion is biased radially outward against the surfaceof the collar.
 9. A child motion device according to claim 1, furthercomprising two of the spring biased protrusions, each being carried on ametal leaf spring positioned opposite one another on a hub of therotation mechanism.
 10. A child motion device according to claim 1,wherein the spring biased protrusion is carried on a resilient plasticbridge formed integral with a hub of the rotation mechanism.
 11. A childmotion device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanismincludes a collar protruding downward from part of the rotationmechanism or the seat and includes a hub connected to the upstandingpost, the hub seated within and bounded by the collar.
 12. A childmotion device according to claim 1, further comprising four of thedetents defining four selectable seat orientations.
 13. A child motiondevice according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of the springbiased protrusions and at least two pairs of the plurality of detents,the pair of spring biased protrusions seating in a selected pair of theplurality of detents.
 14. A seat for a child motion device, the seatcomprising: a seat bottom section; a seat back section coupled to theseat bottom section at a pair of spaced apart pivot joints, the seatback section pivotable between at least a first recline position and asecond recline position different from the first recline positionrelative to the seat bottom section; and a release mechanism carried onthe seat, the release mechanism including a release actuator carried onthe seat back section, a latch pin positioned at each of the pivotjoints remote from the release actuator, a curved surface within each ofthe pivot joints, a bar extending transversely across the seat andhaving curved free ends each lying along one of the curved surfaceswithin a corresponding one of the pivot joints, and holes formed in thecurved free ends of the bar and facing the latch pins, each holecorresponding to one of the first and second recline position, whereinthe release actuator, when actuated, withdraws the latch pins from theholes in the bar, and, when released, biases the latch pins intoengagement with respective ones of the holes in the bar.
 15. A seataccording to claim 14, wherein the release mechanism includes a bentwire connected to the release actuator and terminating at free endsdefining the latch pins.
 16. A seat according to claim 14, wherein thepivot joints each include a tongue on each free end of one of the seatback and seat bottom sections and include a yoke on each free end of theother of the seat back and seat bottom section, the tongues received ingaps in the yokes.
 17. A seat according to claim 16, wherein the curvedsurfaces include an end face on each tongue and an interior surfacewithin each yoke, each end face mating with and bearing against arespective interior surface in each pivot joint.
 18. A seat according toclaim 17, further comprising a groove extending along each of the endfaces and interior surfaces, wherein each curved free end of the bar iscaptured between the grooves on a respective one of the end faces andinterior surfaces within the corresponding pivot joint.